Neighborhood Mobility Improvement Study
Urban Planning • Digital Interactions • H/W Ward, Mumbai
Project Overview
This project in Mumbai aims to improve pedestrian-friendliness by optimizing traffic flow and enhancing the overall urban experience, recognizing the significance of streets as both thoroughfares and hidden infrastructure pathways.
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May 2019-May 2020 • 1 year
Client: Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM)
My Contributions
My contributions included street mapping and 3D visualization of junctions, the creation of animation videos for existing and proposed junctions, and the development of construction drawings for the proposed designs. Additionally, I crafted 3D walkthroughs and presentations for client communication and project execution.
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The designs were successfully executed by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, in late 2020.
Problem
Mumbai experiences a significant annual population increase, intensifying strain on its infrastructure. The city's commuting times are notably higher as a percentage of daily life compared to other metropolitan areas. Pedestrian infrastructure and mobility planning in the neighborhoods across MCGM-administered wards are contentious issues within the city.
How do you assess the potential impact of a road or building on the city?
Site Mapping: Inventory Mapping of the H/W Ward
Our clients, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, approached us for a redesign project in the H-West ward of Mumbai, which includes the bustling areas of Bandra and Khar.
Current conditions of Mumbai's roads
Points of Failure
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Insufficient street lighting
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Lack of digital interactions
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Undefined pedestrian crossings
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Unspecified taxi stands
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Varying road widths
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These are just a few of the factors contributing to the deterioration of the city's roads day by day.
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In this video, you will get a clear understanding of the conditions of Mumbai's roads and traffic. Pedestrians often struggle to navigate these busy streets.
Points of Failure v/s Junction Design Strategies
Efficient Street Functions: Possibilities and Design Prototypes
Streets are a vital part of daily life, shaping our experiences in numerous ways. To create efficient and enjoyable streetscapes, we must consider three key aspects: Social, Economic, and Environmental.
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Social: Spaces for meetings, hangouts, kiosks, public toilets, resting areas, senior citizen zones, reading kiosks, and surveillance booths.
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Economic: Taxi/rickshaw stands, cab pick-up points, water dispensers, cafes, food vendors, Dabba pick-up spots, ATMs, and more.
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Environmental: Tree planting, stormwater management, shaded walkways, signage campaigns, recycling stations, solar lighting, and waste bins.
Bus stops
Bus stops, essential for urban mobility, are frequently underused. Enhancing them with reading kiosks, ATMs, and green roofs can greatly improve the daily commuting experience.
Prototype design for a bus stop integrating a kiosk with seating spaces and a working + charging station.
Prototype design for a bus stop with Green Roof technology and informal seating arrangement.
Seating Spaces
In dense cities like Mumbai, footpaths are contested spaces. Street furniture is essential for comfortable pedestrian experiences and serves as vital "pause points" in the city.
Prototype design for a public seating to be incorporated in residential and/ or commercial neighborhoods.
Prototype design for a public seating along with a bicycle renting facility for the community.
Convenience Kiosks
Convenience shopping is often overlooked in neighborhood design. This has led to the growth of corner edge shops, benefiting the local economy and residents. Proposed kiosks can sell essentials, groceries, or serve as juice bars and ice cream spots.
Prototype design for a convenience kiosk with attached seating and digital interactions.
Prototype design for a convenience kiosk with information panels.
